The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 174 Absurd Rebellion
At this time, the unity between Buddhists and Taoists was no longer present.

Those who lack real skills or have a criminal record are extremely afraid. If they do this, they will lose this refuge.

Besides, they usually just put on an act and put on a show.

They had never read, let alone understood, the scriptures of Buddhism and Taoism.

If there were to be an actual exam, it would definitely cause problems.

But those monks who had truly mastered the doctrines of both schools remained silent.

The vast temple also has some truly accomplished people who are dedicated to Buddhist and Taoist teachings.

They weren't worried about this at all; on the contrary, they secretly rejoiced.

The Buddhist and Taoist schools are now a mixed bag, and they definitely need to be properly rectified.

At this moment, a monk spoke fiercely.

"Fellow disciples, since this brat surnamed Zhu doesn't want us to live, we can't let him get away with it. We have money and manpower now, so let's just rebel and settle things!"

After hearing this, the others started shouting and yelling.

"That's right. We have money and manpower now, and we can easily raise an army. What's there to be afraid of?"

"Wasn't the Zhu Emperor a monk back then? If he could do it, we certainly can too!"

Zhu Yuanzhang rose from a monk to become the emperor, which greatly encouraged many people present.

What Zhu Yuanzhang could do, they could also do, and they might not be any worse than Zhu Yuanzhang.

Watching these people leave in such a hurry, Zhang the Taoist and Faming the monk gave a wry smile.

Now their subordinates are a mixed bag, and not everyone listens to them.

There was originally a way out, but now that they have chosen the path of rebellion, it is a dead end.

The remaining monks spoke in hushed tones.

"Senior brother, what should we do next?"

Faming shook his head.

"This matter has nothing to do with us, and no one is to be involved. If you wish to remain in Buddhism, go back and study our Buddhist scriptures. When the time comes, come with me to take the Buddhist exam!"

Upon hearing this, the group shook their heads helplessly and turned to leave.

A few days later, a very significant event occurred in Yingtian Prefecture.

Many monks and Taoist priests near Yingtian Prefecture plotted a rebellion, but before they were ready, they were arrested by the local officials.

It turns out that after these monks had this idea, they used their money to make dragon robes and found literate people.

They were given official positions, and even had ironware such as pots and locks melted down in their homes and taken out to make weapons.

By the time they were captured, they had already prepared their official robes and even appointed the six ministers. Unfortunately, they had no army or weapons, so they were captured alive by the local yamen runners.

This farcical rebellion ended abruptly.

Zhu Xiong Ying was extremely surprised to hear this news.

"What did you say?"

"These monks and Taoist priests are so brave, how dare they rebel?"

Lan Yu and the others suppressed their laughter and recounted the whole process.

It must be said that this rebellion was performed in a rather amateurish manner.

Having no ability to protect themselves whatsoever, and instead discussing making dragon robes and official attire, they were unsurprisingly wiped out on the spot.

Zhu Xiong Ying gave a cold laugh.

"Since these fellows want to rebel, then there's nothing more to say. I don't need to hesitate any longer. Duke Liang, immediately take your men and confiscate all the temples and Taoist monasteries involved. Transport all the money and grain inside back to the Ministry of Revenue. In addition, send all the innocent Taoist priests and monks under their jurisdiction back to their hometowns and order them to return to secular life!"

After receiving the order, Duke Lan Yu of Liang began to take action.

In an instant, everyone in Yingtian Prefecture avoided monks and Taoists, fearing to be associated with them.

Minister of Revenue Yang Siyi was so happy to see the wealth being continuously transported over that he almost fainted.

The amount of silver seized in the vicinity of Yingtian Prefecture alone amounted to several million taels. If all the temples and Taoist monasteries in the country were searched, the amount would likely be even greater. If it weren't for the ministers in the court stopping him, he probably would have done it.

News soon reached Fengyang Prefecture.

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression changed drastically upon hearing the news that Empress Ma was seriously ill.

"Quickly, get the car ready, we're going to Yingtian!"

The official standing nearby hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Your Majesty, there are still many places we haven't visited. What should we do for the rest of the trip?"

Zhu Yuanzhang kicked the official to the ground.

"What arrangements are more important than our girl? Our girl is sick, didn't you hear me?"

After saying that, he hurriedly prepared to run north.

However, before they could even get on the train, they received another intelligence message from the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the contents of the intelligence report with an extremely grim expression, and even his Crown Prince Zhu Biao looked at him with displeasure.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao trembled with fear.

"Father...Father, what have I done wrong?"

"You looked at me with that kind of gaze!"

Zhu Yuanzhang said with an unfriendly expression.

"Biao'er, some eminent figures from both Buddhism and Taoism want to hold a Dharma assembly to pray for our sister's well-being. What do you think? Should we do it?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao swallowed hard.

"We must do it! We absolutely must do it. As long as it's for the Empress Dowager, we'll do it even if it's ten times, let alone one!"

"What if someone doesn't want to?"

A flash of anger crossed Crown Prince Zhu Biao's eyes.

"If he's unwilling, I'll never let him off the hook!"

Zhu Yuanzhang said in a sinister tone.

"What if it were your eldest son?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao stood there, stunned.

"Wh...what? You mean U.A.?"

"No way, Xiong Ying is very filial to his grandmother, how could he be so unfilial?"

Zhu Yuanzhang handed the contents of the letter directly to his crown prince, Zhu Biao.

"See for yourself!"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao broke out in a cold sweat upon seeing the contents of the document, inwardly cursing himself for having such a rebellious son.

This is going to be troublesome.

Fortunately, Empress Ma's condition improved considerably under the care of Chief Physician Zhang; otherwise, Xiong Ying would probably have been ruined.

Nevertheless, this still adds a significant stain to U.A. High School's reputation.

"Father, rest assured, once we return to Yingtian Prefecture, I will personally bring that rebellious son Xiong Ying here to avenge you!"

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly.

Is this what we asked you about?

"What we need to ask you is, how should we deal with the Buddhist and Taoist people? It's such a waste to leave so much wealth in their hands."

"However, Buddhism has been kind to us, and we cannot fail to repay it. If we really take them down, people will probably say we are unjust. If you were in our shoes, what would you do?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao was stunned for a moment, seemingly not quite understanding.

"Father, your change of topic is a bit too abrupt. Weren't you just talking about Xiong Ying? How did you suddenly switch to these monks?"

(End of this chapter)